Friedrichshafen

Friedrichshafen sits on the shores of Lake Constance in southwestern Germany, where Germany, Austria, and Switzerland meet. This city of 60,000 is known for its aviation history, particularly the development of Zeppelin airships. You can explore the Zeppelin Museum, take a flight in a modern Zeppelin, or walk along the waterfront promenade with views of the Alps across the lake.

Lake Constance Setting

Friedrichshafen occupies part of the northern shore of Lake Constance, known as Bodensee in German. The lake forms part of the border between Germany, Austria and Switzerland. When the weather is good, you'll see the Alps rising across the water, their peaks often covered in snow. You can walk for several kilometers along the lakeside promenade, taking in the views. Many cafes and restaurants line the waterfront, where you can sit and watch boats cross the lake.

Getting Around

Friedrichshafen Airport connects to major European cities. The city also has good rail links, with regular trains to destinations like Stuttgart, Munich and Zurich. Ferries link Friedrichshafen to other towns around Lake Constance, including Konstanz in Germany and Romanshorn in Switzerland. Within the city, buses provide public transportation. However, Friedrichshafen is compact enough that you can walk or bike between many points of interest. You can rent bikes at several locations near the waterfront.

Aviation History

Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin developed his famous rigid airships in Friedrichshafen in the early 1900s. At the Zeppelin Museum, you'll find the world's largest collection on the history of airship travel. You can step inside a full-scale reconstruction of part of the Hindenburg airship. The museum also includes art exhibits exploring themes of technology and mobility. At the Dornier Museum, you can explore over 100 years of aerospace history through interactive exhibits and original aircraft.

Zeppelin Flights

You can experience flight yourself on a Zeppelin NT airship departing from Friedrichshafen. These modern Zeppelins are much smaller than their predecessors but still offer an impressive flying experience. Flights range from 30 minutes to 2 hours, passing over Lake Constance and the surrounding countryside. The cabin has large panoramic windows for optimal views. A Zeppelin flight gives you a new perspective on the region, though it comes with a high price tag.

Local Food and Drink

Fish is a common ingredient in local cuisine, reflecting the city's location on Lake Constance. Try dishes like felchen (whitefish) from the lake. The region also produces fruit, especially apples. Sample local apple juice or cider. For a sweet treat, try Seele, a traditional bread flavored with anis and caraway seeds. In summer, you'll find many people at beer gardens - visit places like Zeppelin Hangar or Wirtshaus am See to enjoy a cold brew with lake views. Several wineries in the area offer tastings of wines produced on the shores of Lake Constance.